Mando Pre-Juarez Conversation
Tucson, AZ, WPH Press, 2/23/25
Mando Ortiz is one of the most exciting and electrifying players to ever step into a handball court, regularly dazzling fans and neutralizing the game’s best players with highlight reel kills.
Mando was a junior sensation destined for greatness, but an open-heart surgery at the age of twenty-one (HERE) nearly ended his handball dreams. Determined to continue his march to the top of the sport, Mando defeated then WPH #1 Allan Garner just months after the surgery and forged a spectacular Race 4 Eight career that saw him defeat Paul Brady twice, win two Race titles, and become the Race 4 Eight #1.
Mando left the tour in 2018 and will make his first Race 4 Eight start in seven years at the upcoming 2025 Race 4 Eight Juarez. While Mando will recognize many of the faces in Juarez, he will also be introduced to the tour’s newest crop of stars.
The WPH had a chance to talk to Mando in advance of his upcoming Race start, discussing his motivations, his plans, his health, his goals, matching up with the tour’s young stars and more.
You have not played a Race stop since 2018. What motivated you to enter Juarez?
Wow since 2018, it seems like it was (only) couple years. To be honest I’ve always missed the game but priorities for me became different, becoming a dad has been one of the greatest most rewarding things in life, but as time went by and my kids became older, I slowly was coming back. Now more than ever, I am at a great place in my life and watching all the pros and all the pro stop highlights definitely made me try harder to come back. So here I am and we’ll see how it goes.
Are you planning a full comeback?
I am taking it day by day and not expecting a full come back but slowly but surely you will see me more and more.
You are 36, with many of the game’s best players also in their 30’s: Lucho (34), Danos (32), Martin (32), Vic (35). You still have many more great years ahead of you, if you want to continue playing. How does your body feel?
Man, when I stopped playing competitively at the age of 30 so many thought I was making a big mistake. But in reality, I was dealing with some injuries and other health problems. Taking off considerable length of time helped my body to heal, but the major problem is that I gained weight. So, it’s been an interesting comeback to get dialed in. I have to prepare myself slowly, first I had kick out all of those bad habits of eating, such as eating late. My new priorities had to become my health, mind and game. I have made sacrifices to get my workout in the morning before work and taking advantages of nights once the kids are asleep. Overall, I know it’s not the same as before, I need to work harder than ever if I want to keep up with my peers and the younger generation.
Goals in Juarez
My goal in Juarez is obviously to come back and take first.…let everyone know the king is back. No, I’m kidding. I truly just want to enjoy the game what have to offer and take it in and soak up the fact that I am back at a pro stop and it has been a long time. I truly thought I was done at one point. Overall, I want to give my all and try do my best to get back in the top 10! We will see.
Many of your former rivals are still amongst the elite. Are you looking forward to matching up with the Cordovas, Lenning, Martin, and Vic?
Respect to them and Fink for sacrificing their bodies to be great. I truly missed them all those battles, so yes, I am looking forward to it. I can’t wait to see how much their games elevated.
In the seven years you have been away from the tour, many new names have emerged, to include Ray Ure, Sam Esser, Max Langmack, Ivan Burgos, and Mark Doyle. Are there one or two of those young stars you are looking forward to playing?
Honestly, I am looking forward to playing them all. I have been following these guys since they broke in the top 10. Everyone has their own unique style of play and I can’t wait to see first-hand. But mostly of all, Ivan Burgos (Young Assassin Shooter). I see a couple similarities we share on the court. It would be a fun match to watch.
WPH Legend Corner Where Are They Now: Mando Ortiz HERE
Mando Ortiz Pro Player Bio HERE
Mando Ortiz Mounting a Charge (2016) HERE
Mando Ortiz King of Heart HERE
2025 Juarez R2 page HERE
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer